Starting in May of 2010 I began a journey to lose 100 pounds. I began this blog to hold me accountable and to allow me to journal my experience. I also hope that it helps inspire other people to lose weight and exercise. Since starting I have decided to increase my goal to 110 pounds.

My Weight Loss Progress

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Well, I started season 2 of "24" and the good news is...I think I am already hooked. Now I am recruiting Travis to hold me accountable! The deal is....I can only watch it, if I am on the treadmill. I am loving our i-pad and Netflix. I can easily download all of the seasons directly to the i-pad for no additional charge, other than the $9 bucks a month we pay for our Netflix account already. There are 8 seasons, obviously with 24 episodes each and that means I can be watching for a while. I had totally forgotten about the Netflix app and being able to stream immediate content. Thanks Amanda for reminding me. Sweet! The show is regularly an hour but with no commercial breaks they are about 48 minutes. This is perfect for a good cardio workout!

So...it is apple season. The apples are so good right now. They are crisp and sweet and a great snack. I am really enjoying the apples. My new favorite snack is an apple with a little bit of peanut butter or a little salt. They are actually really filling. Especially on my days that I work out..when I get home I really don't want a big heavy meal. The last couple of weeks I have just had an apple with some PB for dinner on Thursday nights.

We have all heard an "apple a day keeps the doctor away"...but where did that come from? I decided to look into the nutritional benefits of apples and this is what I found.

Apples have properties that no other fruits have and its benefits have been proven overtime. You will be able to get the benefits of these properties individually with other fruits, but an apple combines everything and makes it simpler. It has been shown over and over that if it’s not simple, easy and fast, people won’t take care of their health.

2-Prevent Heart Diseases. The reason it can prevent both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease is because apples are rich in flavonoid. Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant effects.

3-Low in calories. A regular size apple has between 70-100 calories. Eating an apple when craving for candy or chocolate can make the desire disappear since apple in itself contains sugar, but gives you only ¼ of the calories.

4-Prevent Cancers. Notice the plural. We all know that cancer comes in several forms and in different places. Apples target multiple cancers such as colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer in women.

5-Apples contain phenols, which have a double effect on cholesterol. It reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. They prevent LDL cholesterol from turning into oxidized LDL, a very dangerous form of bad cholesterol which can be deadly.

6-Prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is an infection that seriously damages the structure of your teeth, which is caused primarily because of bacteria. The juice of the apples has properties that can kill up to 80% of bacteria. So there you have it, an apple a day also keeps the dentist away!

7-Protects your brain from brain disease. This is something many people don’t know, and when you consider that your brain makes the person you are, it gives a whole new perspective. Apple has substances called phytonutrients, and these phytonutrients prevents neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsonism.

8-Healthier Lungs. A research at the University of Nottingham Research shows that people who eat 5 apples or more per week has lower respiratory problems, including asthma.

So, enjoy the yummy apples this season. There are so many different varieties. My favorites are Gala, Pink Lady and Braeburn apples. Not only are they filling and delicious but they can also promote good health. On average Americans only eat an apple a week but really an apple a day is needed to get the health benefits. Hudson loves apples. We bought a little slicer that cores and cuts the apple in wedges. It was about $5 and makes the apple so easy to eat and is super fast!

Friday, October 22, 2010

See these two girls here?? Yes, they are my friends Jana and Amanda Cupcake! This pic was taken on the lake when they were both here in TN. How I miss them! So, why their picture you ask? Because....

A friendly little competition has been made! Whoever can lose the largest percentage of weight loss by Thanksgiving. This Sunday we are all giving our weights to each other via picture/text message. We haven't decided for sure on what the prize will be but IT is ON! Good luck ladies...you're gonna need it!

Well, I didn't get around to posting my weight on Sunday. I was working at the info desk at church that morning, running late, etc. Then Monday morning was hectic too and I forgot. I am doing fine though and will post a new picture of the scale on Sunday.

Finally recovered from Weekend Warrior! Here is a picture of what my bruise looked like the next day! Ouchy!

I went to work out last night. My rear is killing me! I was not the only one with a bruise. Several of my girlfriends also had scratches and bruises but I think I get the award for the biggest one! I am really loving my workouts. Wish I could add another night like Tuesdays. However, with teaching CPR and other commitments it is hard to leave the kiddos at home with Travis for another night. I have really been slacking on the treadmill too. I was so committed when I was watching Biggest Loser. I swear I just need a new show. I have been talking about it for months now but I think I am going to start "24" season 2; since it always leaves you on a cliff hanger, I think I will be motivated to watch. I am watching Biggest Loser again this season but haven't found that special connection with anyone. I think I like the "pairs" shows the best.

Travis took this picture of my last week. While I haven't lost a ton on the scale...I can definitely tell my body is changing. Hoping for a good number this week though!